HomeBuy helps people to get their first foot on the property ladder. HomeBuy also helps those people who wish to rent but cannot afford to pay market rents.
Moat is the government's appointed HomeBuy Agent for people wishing to live in Essex, Kent or Sussex. Click here for more information about HomeBuy products and options.
We work with local authorities and other housing associations to provide HomeBuy options to people in housing need. If you apply, we will assess your application and advise you of all the HomeBuy options for which you may be eligible. Click here to apply online or call us during office hours on 0845 359 6161.
Buying a home
HomeBuy helps people, usually first time buyers, who cannot afford to buy a property that suits their household needs on the open market.
All first time buyers may apply. Social tenants who wish to buy a property through HomeBuy are given top priority. Key workers are also given priority.
HomeBuy can also help people who have previously owned properties but are now unable to buy without assistance, for example in the case of relationship breakdowns, or families who are over-crowded in their existing homes.
The maximum income allowed is £60,000 per annum (single or joint). You will need to have access to (or savings of) £3,500 to cover the initial costs of buying a home.
Renting a home
Eligibility for renting a home through HomeBuy can vary between different schemes. For example, for discounted rent, you will need to demonstrate that you can afford to pay the monthly rent and service charge payments. Under Rent to HomeBuy you will be assessed in the same way as if you were buying a share in the property (but with no requirement for savings).
General
Some homes can only be allocated to people with a local connection (live, work or family connection) to the local authority area in which the property is located.
Although most homes through HomeBuy are available to all first time buyers, some can only be allocated to qualifying key workers.
Social HomeBuy is only available to existing local authority and housing association tenants.
Any specific information regarding eligibility is usually stated within the property marketing information.
If you would like to find out about HomeBuy in other areas or to search for properties with other housing associations, please visit www.HomeBuy.co.uk.
Call us on 0845 359 6161 to speak to one of our HomeBuy advisors. This service is available during office hours (9 - 5, Mondays to Fridays).
Page last updated 6/5/09.
Your home is at risk if you do not keep up rent and mortgage repayments or payments on other loans secured on it.
Please note that the value of properties can go down as well as up.